Cuomo names budget director to head Thruway

ALBANY – Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a number of top-level appointments Sunday, including moving his budget director to head the troubled state Thruway Authority and replacing his top aide, Larry Schwartz.

Budget director Bob Megna, who held the post since 2009, has been appointed as acting executive director of the Thruway Authority after top officials at the agency that oversees the 570-mile superhighway and Tappan Zee Bridge resigned last month.

Megna's appointment will require state Senate confirmation. The agency is facing the potential of toll increases and questions about how it will pay for a $3.9 billion bridge between Westchester and Rockland counties.

As Cuomo starts a second term, he will do so with a number of new top aides, including replacing Schwartz, the former Westchester County deputy executive under Andy Spano. Schwartz was secretary under former Gov. David Paterson and kept the job under Cuomo, who first took office in 2011.

Cuomo's office said Schwartz is headed to the private sector. There was no additional details.

Cuomo will replace Schwartz with Bill Mulrow, a New York City businessman who has been involved in Democratic politics and ran for state Comptroller in 2002.

"New ideas and talent are critical to innovation and success. This team will build on the extraordinary progress made over the last four years by bringing experience, energy and fresh perspectives to the table," Cuomo said in a statement.

Other announcements include: Patricia Gatling as deputy secretary for civil rights; Linda Lacewell, already a Cuomo adviser, as counselor; and Alphonso David, Cuomo's deputy secretary for civil rights, as counsel on April 1.

Cuomo made changes to his press office. Melissa DeRosa will stay as communications director and take on the role as strategic advisor to the Governor. John Kelly, a vice president at the consulting firm SKD Knickerbocker, will serve as press secretary.

Cuomo also nominated Donald Carey as a member of the SUNY Board of Trustees. The appointment requires Senate confirmation.